Which welding method is commonly associated with stick electrode welding?

The welding method commonly associated with stick electrode welding is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). This technique utilizes a consumable electrode coated in flux to facilitate the welding process. When the electrode is struck against the workpiece, an electric arc forms, melting both the electrode and the workpiece, which leads to the formation of a weld pool. The flux coating on the electrode protects the molten metal from oxidation and contamination by providing a shielding gas as it burns off.

SMAW is favored for its simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness in various applications, especially in field welding and in situations where portability is essential. Its use of a stick electrode, which can easily be replaced, contrasts with other methods that rely on different types of electrodes or welding processes. The other methods listed, such as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Laser Beam Welding (LBW), and Resistance Spot Welding (RSW), each have distinct techniques and are not characterized by the use of a stick electrode.